How can educators and teachers help develop and train young
learners (elementary and middle school students) to attain skills that
enhance understanding and communication of complex processes,
relationship between objects and configurations?
After reflecting, I have arrived at three key aspects that promote such
spatial thinking - mapping (observation), drawing and 3D model making
(representation) and communication. By weaving together a
communication piece in each of the three exercises, I have attempted
to inject a relational aspect into every effort. The three part module that
has students working in teams to communicate ideas about
relationships between objects in space to develop and enhance their
spatial thinking skills. The lessons have to be appropriately modified for
elementary and middle school students.
Students learn about directions (North, South, East and West) by
learning to read a map. It could be a map (diagram) of their school, city
or partnering nonprofit. Test their understanding by marking a location
on the map and having them find their way to it. Introduce concepts of
directions, landmarks, legend and symbols.
Provide clues for the scavenger hunt. The teacher would have to visit
the location and design the scavenger hunt based on their knowledge
of the place and age appropriate ability of the students. Once
scavenger hunt is complete, the students draw a map of their
adventures.
Here are a few images of my work with 9-12 year olds:
Part 1: Scavenger hunt
Objectives: Students learn about observation, navigation, mapping
and information communication by participating in a scavenger hunt
and drawing a map of their adventures.
How and Where: Partnering with a local nonprofit or community
partner could combine knowledge of nature and the environment (for
example a local zoo or nature center) or history and arts (for example a
local art museum or historical society).
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